The news of Zinedine Zidane’s decision to leave Real Madrid after guiding them to three successive UEFA Champions League crown has left both the Spanish club and its fans dumbstruck.

Spanish tennis icon Rafael Nadal joined the bandwagon, comprising of millions of Meringues fans, to express shock and surprise over the sudden departure of the former French World Cup winner. 

The world No. 1 tennis player, who is currently playing at the French Open at Roalnd Garros, told reporters, "Of course it was a surprise for everybody but at the same time Zidane is a top person. He's a person that is tough to accept that he's leaving, for different reasons. First thing because he's a great coach and he was having a lot of success with our team. Second thing, he's good person, normal person, humble person. He represents, in my opinion, the right values and he's a perfect example of somebody with all the success and have to do the things of every day with being normal, being humble, without saying negative things about the players, about the club, about nobody, never, I never heard, the referees, nothing."

As Zidane came under fire for his side’s lackluster La Liga season before they salvaged with the Champions League triumph in Kiev, Nadal mentioned, “He was always fine and smiling on the press conferences even when things were not going well this year, these were so difficult moments. At the end he won the Champions League and nothing happens, but during the year had been a very tough year for the team and he always had been positive and believing in the players and in the club."

"He deserved to choose what's better for him. For my side I just say thanks for all the things he did for Madrid. I hope he will be back and like a sportsman and person just thanks for the right examples he gave to the rest of the people."

Meanwhile, Real Madrid president Florentino Perez, who accompanied Zidane at the press conference during which he announced his departure from the club, dubbed it as an "unexpected decision."

A flabbergasted Perez said "Zizou came to see me yesterday to communicate an unexpected decision he took."

"After winning another European Cup, for me the decision was totally unexpected. Today is a sad day for me, the players and everyone who works at the club."

The crestfallen club boss also added, "I loved him as a player and now as a coach. I would have loved for him to be by my side, but those of us who know him know, when he makes a decision, the only thing to do is to own it."

Zidane’s 'stunning' decision to say goodbye in spite of guiding his side to the pinnacle of European football, caught everyone by surprise on Wednesday.

His compatriot and French goalkeeper Hugo Lloris informed, "We learned this information after our meal. We are surprised a bit like everyone else. We obviously respect his decision. We can only admire Zinedine Zidane's work at Real Madrid as a head coach."

"We have a lot of respect for the man, the very great player he has been. Quite simply, there is not much to say about it since it is his choice and it is necessary to respect him and salute his work done."